What I learned from the SHRED 2025?

2025 was a year of change.

Part of it, was discovering a new gym + building consistency.

I absolutely love strength training and it became an important part of my life over the last few years. Last March, I moved to a new neighbourhood and the first thing I researched was a gym. I truly believe in having a trainer and that is my top luxury.. an investment in myself and a non-negotiable. It allows me to turn my brain off, ensure my form is good and lift heavier while feeling safe.

In September, I signed up for an annual challenge that the gym host, called "The Shred". Not really knowing what to expect, I was attracted to the format... and the cash prize if I am being honest. What was different about this challenge? It wasn't focused on losing weight or the scale.

I mean.. how many times did I get triggered by the scale in the past or obsessed by the number displayed? Way too many to count.. and so common for women. I could be one of the poster child for yo-yo dieting but that is a story for another time.

The goal of "The Shred" is to win points based on how much our fat percentage reduces and our muscle mass increases. It has a community aspect which I love and to top it off, my trainer was there the whole time to share his knowledge and support me.

How the challenge started?

I embarked on this 3 months challenge with the goal of working on consistency as well as having fun. Make it as light as possible while still working on creating new habits and keeping an open mind. Most of all.. work on that inner dialogue that can be so harsh and judgemental at times.

And be surprised by the results (versus trying to go hard for 3 months and potentially spiralling as soon as I wasn't perfect)?

How the challenge ended?

In December, at the final weigh-in, there was some disappointment in knowing that I wasn't winning the cash prize. But I was also proud of how far I came. My battle has never been with showing up at the gym, especially when I have a trainer (I love it which I am grateful for). The hardest part of me is the nutrition and at times, the resting (which is crucial). The results were positive and it's also only the beginning. I am all about celebrating the small wins and that is what I decided to focus on.

What are the wins?

• Got stronger + showed up for myself

• PR'd my backsquat (yey!)

• Reduced my alcohol consumption by a lot! ..including on weekends

• Tracked food on an app without getting triggered (#growth)

• Went on daily walks.. even when the weather wasn't great

• Hit my daily protein goals and tried new recipes (super happy about this one)

• Better mindset overall :)

What are the lessons?

Have fun.. don't take it too serious but most of all, focus on progress over perfection!

It takes time to build new habits and see results that last. Make it as enjoyable as possible while remembering that less is more.

And finally, keep showing up for yourself! That is the best part.

Also know, that you don't need to do it alone.